RAF Holbeach

Not Applicable. The premise that RAF Holbeach is a closed airport is incorrect. It was established as a military bombing and gunnery range and has remained in continuous operation in that capacity. It was never a public or standard passenger/cargo airport.

The site is fully operational as the 'RAF Holbeach Air Weapons Range'. It is one of the UK's primary training ranges for the Royal Air Force and allied air forces. Modern, advanced aircraft, including the Eurofighter Typhoon from nearby RAF Coningsby and the F-35 Lightning II from RAF Marham, use the range extensively. Operations include practice bombing (using inert or low-yield practice bombs), strafing runs with cannons, and laser designation training. The range contains various targets, including mock airfields, vehicle convoys, and ship targets like the 'SS The Sirina', a prominent landmark used for targeting practice.

RAF Holbeach is not a historical site in the sense of being decommissioned; its significance is continuous. Established in 1926 as a coastal gunnery and bombing range, its importance grew immensely during World War II. It was a primary training ground for bomber crews from RAF Bomber Command, who practiced their targeting skills on mock-ups and targets laid out on the marshland before flying missions over occupied Europe. Throughout the Cold War, it was used by aircraft such as the Vulcan, Phantom, Jaguar, and Tornado. Its strategic location on the coast of The Wash provides a safe, controlled environment for air-to-ground weapons training, making it a vital asset for the RAF for nearly a century.

Not Applicable. As the facility is not closed and remains a critical, active military installation for national defence and NATO training, there are no prospects or plans for it to be 'reopened' as a civilian airport. It is expected to remain an active MOD range for the foreseeable future.